Introduction
Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution! Combining the classic flavors of stuffed peppers with the convenience of a casserole, this dish is both delicious and simple to prepare.
Why This Recipe?
Flavorful and Filling: Packed with ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, you can enjoy all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each one individually.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or grains to make it your own. You can also adjust the cheese for a different flavor profile.
Great for Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for leftovers, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3 bell peppers, various colors, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the diced bell peppers, uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Method for Storing
To keep your Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage methods:
Short-Term Storage
Refrigeration:
Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature.
Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Long-Term Storage
Freezing:
Allow the casserole to cool completely.
Portion it into individual servings or keep it as a whole.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
From the Refrigerator:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
From the Freezer:
For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through.
Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Tips
Avoid Contamination: Use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.
Check for Quality: Before consuming leftovers, check for any off smells or changes in texture.